Spinal cord abscess

Definition

Spinal cord abscess is swelling and irritation (inflammation) and the collection of infected material (pus) in or around the spinal cord.

Alternative Names

Abscess - spinal cord

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A spinal cord abscess is caused by an infection inside the spine. An abscess of the spinal cord itself is very rare. A spinal abscess usually occurs as an epidural abscess.

Pus forms as a collection of:

Destroyed tissue cells

Fluid

Live and dead bacteria and other microorganisms

White blood cells

The pus is commonly covered by a lining or membrane that forms around the edges. The pus collection causes pressure on the spinal cord.

The infection is usually due to bacteria. Often it is caused by a staphylococcus infection that spreads through the spine. It may be caused by tuberculosis in some areas of the world, but it is not as common today as it was in the past. In rare cases, the infection may be due to a fungus.

Spread of any infection through the bloodstream from another part of the body (bacteremia)

The infection often begins in the bone (osteomyelitis). The bone infection may cause an epidural abscess to form. This abscess gets larger and presses on the spinal cord. The infection can spread to the cord itself.

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